The couple said a new rapid sepsis test, developed by researchers at the University of Strathclyde, could have saved them from the ordeal.

“We know we’re lucky because other people who’ve had sepsis as bad as Ryan’s have died or have lost limbs,” Mrs Sutherland said.

“If this test had been available it could have made a huge difference to us.”

At present, it can take up to 72 hours to diagnose sepsis, which kills an estimated 52,000 people in the UK every year.

Mr Sutherland said: “No one mentioned sepsis although, looking back, I had all the symptoms.

“It’s hard to diagnose, so if this test had been around it could have made all the difference to what happened with me.”

The new test, which can give a result within three minutes be available on the NHS within three to five years.

Experts hope the test will be used at the bedside in hospitals and in GP surgeries.

Its needle shape means it can also be implanted and used on patients in intensive care.

Dr Damion Corrigan, from the department of biomedical engineering at Strathclyde, said: “With sepsis, the timing is key. For every hour that you delay antibiotic treatment, the likelihood of death increases.

“If GP surgeries had access they could also do tests which could potentially save lives.”

newsen@edinburghnews.com

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